CM Stalin Condemns Centre's MSP Letter as Betrayal of Tamil Nadu Farmers
Chief Minister M K Stalin launched a scathing attack on the Union government on Friday, strongly criticizing its alleged directive to the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider its minimum support price (MSP) incentives designed to support farmers. Campaigning vigorously in Thanjavur, Stalin accused the Centre of viewing the resultant rise in paddy production in Tamil Nadu as troublesome and problematic for the region.
Finance Ministry's 'Audacious' Letter Sparks Outrage
Stalin revealed that the state government had recently received what he described as an 'audacious' letter from the finance ministry. This communication claimed that paddy production was increasing due to additional incentives provided by the state government to farmers selling paddy, which was allegedly creating multiple administrative and logistical problems. 'The Union government is asking us not to provide the incentive, and it is coming from the ministry of Nirmala Sitharaman, who proudly calls herself a Tamilian,' Stalin stated with evident frustration during his campaign speech.
Stalin Questions 'Fake Farmer' Palaniswami's Silence
In a direct challenge to his political rival, Stalin questioned whether 'fake farmer' Edappadi K Palaniswami would dare to criticize the Centre's controversial views on MSP incentives. 'If Palaniswami is a true Tamilian and has any shame left, will he speak out and condemn BJP? Or will he continue making only uncouth remarks,' Stalin demanded, highlighting what he perceived as hypocrisy in Palaniswami's stance. He further alleged that during Palaniswami's four-year tenure as chief minister, the incentive had not been increased even by a single rupee, accusing him of wearing a 'Pachai Thundu' (green stole) while committing 'Pachai Dhrogam' (plain treachery) against the farming community.
DMK Government's Pledge to Raise MSP Incentives
Expressing immense pride in his administration's achievements, Stalin detailed how the Dravidian Model government had significantly increased paddy incentives for approximately 30 lakh farmers across Tamil Nadu. The incentives were raised from Rs 70 to Rs 156 per quintal for fine variety paddy and from Rs 50 to Rs 131 per quintal for common variety, thereby fulfilling a key election promise made in 2021. 'Dravidian Model 2.0 government would raise the MSP to Rs 3,500 per quintal, no matter how many obstacles the BJP government and Palaniswami place,' Stalin declared resolutely, emphasizing his commitment to agricultural welfare.
Allegations of Political Manipulation by Centre
The DMK president also accused the Union government of systematically manipulating official positions in non-BJP ruled states, suggesting a pattern of interference in regional governance. Reflecting on his political journey, Stalin noted that his rivals had written off his chances of becoming chief minister in 2021, and were now claiming that no one from the DMK could secure a consecutive term. 'I broke your predictions last time and I will break them again,' he asserted confidently, signaling his determination to overcome political challenges.
Campaign Trail in Thanjavur Constituencies
During his campaign tour, Stalin actively campaigned for several DMK candidates and an ally in the Thanjavur region. The list included Govi Chezhian (Thiruvidaimarudur), Durai Chandrasekaran (Thiruvaiyaru), Sakkottai K. Anbazhagan (Kumbakonam), R Vaithilingam (Orathanadu), K Annadurai (Pattukkottai), N Ashok Kumar (Peravurani), and Sun Ramanathan (Thanjavur). Additionally, he supported IUML candidate A M Shahjahan (Papanasam), showcasing the coalition's unity in the upcoming electoral battles.
